Relations between Oman and the USA

This file concerns US relations with Oman and the Gulf. It contains correspondence and memoranda relating to:

• The anti-American feeling in Oman
• The US’s desire for Oman to purchase F16 aircraft; and Oman’s decision to purchase Tornado aircraft instead of F16s
• The US’s wish for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States to integrate their armed forces and Oman’s opposition
• Soviet and Chinese policies in the Middle East
• Oman’s concern over the US’s relations with Jordan
• King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan’s intention to re-establish diplomatic relations with Egypt
• Oman’s wish for a US naval task force to remain in the Gulf
• The Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yusif Bin Alawi Bin Abdulla’s visit to Washington, DC
• The US’s wish for Oman to grant more contracts to US companies in return for US military cooperation
• The possibility that Iran might close the Straits of Hormuz; the warning shots fired by US ships at Iranian ships and aircraft, and Oman’s attitude the ‘arrogant behaviour’ of the US
• A visit by the Vice-President George H W Bush’s and meeting with the Sultan, during which he assured the Sultan of US intentions to avoid any provocative action in the Gulf
• A conversation between the UK Minister of State Richard Luce and the US Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger
• The Sultan’s view that the Omani Armed Forces are strong enough to resist any land attack without the US’s assistance
• The US Government’s attempt to persuade the Sultan to transfer Hunter aircraft from the Omani Air Force to Lebanon
• The US’s wish to transfer the flights of P3 Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft from Seeb Airport to Masirah; and the Omani Ministry of Defence’s opposition
• The US’s desire to construct a transit facility [staging camp] at Thumrait
• The US Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth W Dam’s visit to Oman
• The Sultan’s love of American television shows
• The Sultan’s reluctance to send his son to an American school.